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We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs October 15 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM GatiShakti National Master Plan Completes 5 Years of Implementation
On October 13 2026, the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (PM GatiShakti NMP) completed five years, marking significant progress in integrated infrastructure planning and development in the country.
About PM GatiShakti NMP:
Launch: The initiative was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 13 October 2021 in New Delhi, Delhi, to promote coordinated infrastructure planning and seamless connectivity across various sectors.
Objective: The PMGS-NMP is a GIS (Geographic Information System)-based platform that integrates infrastructure data from Ministries, States and Union Territories (UTs) to enable coordinated planning and efficient project implementation.
Nodal Agency: The PM PMGS-NMP is established and coordinated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), specifically through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) acting as the nodal agency.
Integrated planning: It provides a unified view of infrastructure, geographical features, economic zones, and other relevant data, enabling informed, data-driven planning and decision-making for infrastructure development.

India Hosted 1st  BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi
In October 2026, India under the chairmanship of Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), hosted the 1st-ever Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Home Ministers’ Meeting (HMM) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Key Highlights:
Priority Areas: While addressing the meeting, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined 5 priority areas that include drug control, counter-terrorism and legal cooperation, repatriation of fugitive criminals, cyber-security, and cybercrime investigations, and institutional cooperation and capacity building.
Approval of 5 Regional Security Initiatives: During the meeting, Home Ministers of BIMSTEC member nations approved the following initiatives:

• BIMSTEC Convention against Trafficking in Persons; BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Drug Control; Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Capacity Building  to combat Money Laundering (ML) and Terror Financing (TF); Action Plan to curb illicit financial flows; and Action Plan to enhance preparedness and coordination for addressing natural disasters in the BoB region.

Adoption of Delhi Declaration: The first BIMSTEC HMM concluded successfully with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration by its member states,  reaffirming  their commitment to strengthen their regional cooperation under BIMSTEC to build a connected, secure, resilient, developed and prosperous region.

MSDE Signed Sharing Agreement for Upgradation of 09 ITI Clusters in AP, Gujarat under PM-SETU Scheme
 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), signed a Shareholders’ Agreement (SA) with Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and the state governments of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Gujarat.

• The Agreement aims to upgrade 9 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Surat (Gujarat) and Visakhapatnam (AP) clusters.

• The projects have an approved investment of approximately Rs.440 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.

Key Details of Agreement:
State-wise Clusters: As per the SA, 5 Government ITIs will be upgraded in the Surat cluster with an investment of Rs 240 crore, while remaining 4
in the Visakhapatnam cluster with an investment of Rs 200 crore.
Implementation Framework: Also, a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be set up to administer the upgradation and ongoing operations of the ITI clusters.
Shareholding: Under the proposed ownership structure, AM/NS India will hold a majority 51% stake in the SPVs, while the DGT, under MSDE; and the respective state governments will each hold a 24.5% stake.
Academic and Technical Partner: These projects will be implemented by AM/NS India in collaboration with New Age Makers’ Institute of Technology (NAMTECH) which has been designated as the academic and technical partner for the projects.

RDIF Announces First Cohort of 19 Second Level Fund Managers with Rs 7,131 Crore Commitment
In October 2026, the Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF), a flagship initiative of the Government of India (GoI), announced its first cohort of 19 Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs), comprising 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and 5 Focused Research Organisations (FROs), approved by the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS).

• The approved institutions received a combined RDIF funding commitment of Rs 7,131 crore under the government RDI Scheme.

About RDIF First Cohort of 19 SLFM:
Management: RDIF is managed by an Independent Business Unit(IBU) housed within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
Selected AIFs: The 14 Alternative Investment Funds are Blume Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Speciale Invest, YourNest Capital, IvyCap Ventures, Ideaspring Capital, TVS Capital Funds, Sixth Sense Ventures, Celesta India AIF Managers, AdvantEdge Investment Managers, AMA Capital Advisors, Translation Endeavors and Campus.   
Selected FROs: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, (Karnataka) and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru (Karnataka);  Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Research Park, Tamil Nadu (TN); Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan; and Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches DBIM-Compliant DAHD Website
On October 13, 2026, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh ,Ministry of  Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), launched the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)-compliant website of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) to strengthen digital governance, improve public access to information and provide a unified digital experience. 

• The website complies with the DBIM Version 3.0, introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

About the Website:
Objective: The initiative aims to strengthen transparency, accessibility and citizen-centric service delivery, aligning with the Government of India’s Digital India and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance vision.
One-Stop Digital Hub: Provides information on livestock health, animal husbandry schemes, dairy development and departmental initiatives, including the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
Development: The DAHD Information Technology (IT) team and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) contributed to the development of the revamped website.
Features: Includes advanced search, multilingual support through Bhashini (BHASHa INterface for India), persona-led navigation and centralised content management.
About NLM:  It was launched in 2014–15 by the MoA&FW and restructured in 2021–22 to promote livestock entrepreneurship and breed improvement.

Lakshadweep Becomes India’s First 100% Literate UT under ULLAS
In October 2026, Lakshadweep was declared a 100% literate Union Territory (UT) under ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram after all eligible identified learners successfully cleared the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

• The declaration was made by Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel at a programme held in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.

About ULLAS Scheme:
Overview: New India Literacy Programme (NILP), also known as ULLAS, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.

• It is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is being implemented from Financial Year 2022–23(FY23) to FY27. 
• In May 2025, Mizoram was officially declared India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS scheme.

Initiative: An initial survey identified 1,113 adult non-literates in Lakshadweep, and intensive teaching and assessment enabled all eligible learners to pass the FLNAT.
Assessment: FLNAT evaluates basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills through centre-based or doorstep assessments, with follow-ups and re-testing to help eligible learners complete the evaluation.

TDB-DST & Peptris Technologies Signed Agreement under RDI to accelerate AI-driven Drug Development
In October 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB), under Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), signed an agreement with Peptris Technologies Private Limited, to provide a financial support of Rs 86 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) fund.
Key Details:
Support: The funding will support the Rs.172 crore “VIGOR: Advancing AI-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic” Project, aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery and development.
Funding: As per the agreement, TDB-DST will provide financial support through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) for a period of 3 years.
Aim: To accelerate 04 experimental drugs to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 to 6, which needs preclinical development, validation, and preparation for clinical trials.
Drug Candidates: The four candidates are PEPR111 for neuromuscular disorders and oncology; PEPRX101 for alopecia (hair loss); PEPR202 for neuropathy; and PEPR112 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
About TDB: It was constituted as a statutory body under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995 in September 1996. The board, which comprises 11 members, is mandated to promote development and commercialisation of indigenous technology.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union MoS Shripad Yesso Naik Attends 20th EAS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines
In October 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS) Shripad Yesso Naik, Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), attended the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting (EAS EMM) in Manila, Philippines.

• The ministerial meeting was chaired by Sharon S. Garin, Secretary, Department of Energy, Republic of the Philippines.

Key Highlights of India’s Participation:
Regional Energy Cooperation: India welcomed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030 and stressed cooperation under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026–2030, particularly in the ASEAN Power Grid, regional transmission, multilateral power trade, clean energy and energy security.
ASEAN Power Grid Initiative: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced India’s support for the initiative by committing to train 400 professionals in grid connectivity, power transmission, and regional energy cooperation.
Capacity: As of 30 September 2026, India achieved its 50% capacity target in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target.
Power Interconnection: India and Singapore are exploring a proposed 2,000 MW (megawatt) cross-border power interconnection project spanning approximately 3,000 km (kilometres) through Imphal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.

BANKING & FINANCE

LIC Launches 3 New Insurance Plans for Retirement Income, Health and Cancer Coverage
In October 2026, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched three insurance plans named ‘New Jeevan Dhara-II(Plan 892)’, ‘Health Shield(Plan 907)’, and ‘New Cancer Cover (908)’, to provide retirement income, health protection and financial assistance against cancer-related risks. 

• All three are non-participating, non-linked individual insurance plans,  and will be available from October 19, 2026.

Key Details of Products:
New Jeevan Dhara-II: It is a savings, deferred annuity plan designed to offer guaranteed income after retirement. The plan provides guaranteed annuity rates at the time of policy inception.
Health Shield: It is a pure-risk health plan, providing fixed-benefits coverage for the entire family against specified health risks.
New Cancer Cover: It is also a pure-risk health plan, designed to provide fixed financial benefits upon diagnosis of specified early and major stage cancer irrespective of the actual treatment cost incurred by  the insured.

KVB &  Zurich Kotak General Insurance Partners to Distribute Insurance Products
In October 2026, Karur Vysya Bank(KVB) entered into an agreement with Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company(India) to distribute general insurance products through its banking channels, expanding customer access to non-life insurance solutions as part of its regular bancassurance activities. 

• The bank disclosed the agreement on October 12, 2026, under Regulation 30 of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements(LODR)) Regulations, 2015, without revealing revenue targets or covered insurance products.

About the Partnership:
Purpose: The partnership enables the bank to offer general insurance through its existing banking network and customer service channels, expanding services beyond traditional lending and deposits and improving access for retail and commercial customers.
Coverage: General insurance typically includes motor, health, travel, property and other non-life products, although the specific products covered under the agreement remain undisclosed; the arrangement involves policy distribution without any equity investment or acquisition.
Benefits: The bancassurance partnership may improve customer access to insurance through banking channels and generate commission-based income, diversifying the bank’s revenue beyond lending interest.
About Zurich Kotak General Insurance: It is a 70:30 joint venture between Zurich Insurance Group and Kotak Mahindra Bank. The company was renamed Zurich Kotak General Insurance in August 2024 following Zurich’s acquisition of a 70% stake.

Karnataka Bank Launches Trade Konnect Digital Platform for Forex and Cross-Border Remittances
In October 2026, Karnataka Bank Limited launched Trade Konnect, a digital platform enabling online submission of import, export and outward cross-border remittance requests without physical branch visits. 

• The platform was formally inaugurated by Raghavendra S. Bhat, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Karnataka Bank, to enhance convenience for international businesses and individuals making foreign remittances. 

About Trade Konnect:
Objectives: The initiative supports Karnataka Bank’s digital transformation strategy by enhancing customer convenience, streamlining forex processes, improving ease of doing business and providing efficient access to cross-border financial services.
Partnership: Developed in partnership with Kyzer Software (India) Private Limited, the platform received technology support from the company, whose Co-Founder and Director of Sales, Jai Shah, attended the launch event. 
Features: Trade Konnect enables online submission of import, export and outward cross-border remittance requests anytime and anywhere through a seamless, secure and efficient digital channel.
Users: The platform serves businesses engaged in international trade and individuals undertaking foreign remittances, simplifying forex-related transactions and eliminating physical branch visits for covered services.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Fitch’s BMI Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 7.5% for FY27
In October 2026, The Business Monitor International (BMI), a unit of Fitch Solutions Company, raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) to 7.5% from 6.8%, citing strong growth momentum, industrial expansion and sustained artificial intelligence (AI) investment, while warning of downside risks from higher oil prices and El Niño-related disruptions. 

• BMI lowered its FY 2027–28 growth forecast to 6.3% from 6.5%, citing concerns over household consumption and external economic risks. 

About BMI’s India Growth Forecast:
Performance: India’s GDP grew by 7.8% in Q1 FY 2026–27 (April–June 2026), while BMI’s GDP tracker indicated approximately 8.3% growth in Q2 (July–September 2026), supported by stronger-than-expected economic momentum.
Industry: Industrial production growth accelerated from 6.2% in Q1 to 7.7% during July–August 2026, while vehicle registration growth increased from 16% in Q1 to 26% in Q2 FY 2026–27.
Investment: Planned AI-related investments by Reliance, Adani, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are expected to support economic growth through sustained technology infrastructure spending.

Adani Enterprises & Jabil Signed MoU for 50:50 JV to manufacture AI data Centre hardware in India
In October 2026, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), part of Adani Group, signed a non-binding agreement with the United States of America (USA) manufacturing firm Jabil Inc., to establish a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) for the manufacturing of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centre equipment in India.
Key Details of Agreement:
Key Equipments: The proposed JV will manufacture and assemble AI racks, servers, storage and networking equipment, alongside Power Distribution Systems (PDSs), liquid-cooling equipment and transformers.
Market Targets: The “Made-in-India” infrastructure will serve domestic and international markets, targeting hyperscalers, neocloud providers, data centre operators and large enterprises.
Potential Outcomes: India’s data centre capacity is expected to reach 5-8 GigaWatts (GWs) by 2030, supported by the expansion of cloud computing, Al adoption and data-localisation, with over USD 50 billion in planned hyperscaler spending across data centre, cloud and AI ecosystems.

• The global AI compute infrastructure market could exceed USD 3 trillion over the next seven years.

Investment: The proposed venture aligns with the Adani Group’s USD100 billion investment commitment to develop 5 GW of green-energy-powered, AI-ready data centre capacity by 2035.
About AEL: Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, AEL is recognised as India’s largest listed business incubator, focusing on four core sectors: energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, consumer goods, and primary industry.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Gujarat’s ‘Ambaji Mohanthal’ Prasad Receives GI Tag
In October 2026, Ambaji Mohanthal, the traditional offering of Gujarat’s Ambaji Temple, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under India’s GI registration system, administered by the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoCI).

• The GI application was filed by the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust (SAAMDT) in April 2024.

GI Tag for Ambaji Mohanthal:
GI Classification: The GI Registry lists Ambaji Mohanthal under Class 30(Food Stuffs) of the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, covering sweets, confectionery, and food products.
Certificate Presentation: On 11 October 2026, Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) and Registrar, GI, presented the certificate to Mihir Patel, Banaskantha Collector and Managing Trustee of SAAMDT, coinciding with the first day of Sharadiya Navratri.

• The registration remains valid until 17 April 2034.

About Mohanthal: A traditional Gujarati sweet made from gram flour (besan), sugar, and ghee, offered as prasad at the famous Ambaji Temple and associated with Gujarat’s religious traditions and culinary heritage.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Coast Guard Inducts Indigenous ALH MK-III Helicopter in Maharashtra
On October 13, 2026, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD)  inducted an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designated CG 875, into Coast Guard Region (West) at Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS), Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. 

• The helicopter received a traditional water cannon salute, marking a significant enhancement in the Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance and operational capabilities along India’s western coast.

Highlights of the ALH MK-III Helicopter:
Features: Equipped with advanced radar, an Electro-Optical (EO) Pod for long-range imaging and identification, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS).
Weapon System: Carries a cabin-mounted 12.7 Millimetre (mm) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) for target neutralisation.
Operational Capabilities: Enhances maritime surveillance, detection, identification, search and rescue, pollution response and other operational tasks along the western coast. 

OBITUARY

NCC Founder and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A.V.S. Raju Passed Away at 89
On October 13, 2026, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Alluri Venkata Satyanarayana Raju, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) Limited, passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana, at the age of 89. He was born on April 18, 1937, in the erstwhile East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh (AP).

• He received the Padma Shri in 2010 in the field of Trade and Industry for his contributions to the infrastructure, construction, and housing sectors in India.

About Dr. Alluri Venkata Satyanarayana Raju:
Literature: Raju wrote over 25,000 poems, including more than 24,000 verses dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai Baba across 42 volumes. In 2008, he earned a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest single-volume book of poems on Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Honorary Degree: Acharya Nagarjuna University awarded him a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree in 2008 for his contributions to learning and the promotion of human values.
Recognition: He received the Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by the Builders’ Association of India in 2006, presented by Vayalar Ravi, the then Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, at a function in Kochi, Kerala.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026 – October 13
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed annually on 13 October to raise global awareness and promote action to prevent and reduce disaster risks and build resilience.  

• 2026 Theme: “Resilience Starts at Home”  

Background:
UN Initiative: In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/44/236, declaring 1990–1999 as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) and designating the second Wednesday of October as the observance day during the decade.
First Observance: The first IDNDR was observed on 10 October 1990.
Official Declaration: In 2009, the UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/64/200, designating 13 October as the IDDRR. It has been observed annually on this date since 2010.
Sendai Framework: The day also reinforces commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), adopted at the 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, in 2015.
2026 Calls to Action: The IDDRR 2026 emphasizes that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action across society.

World Standards Day 2026 – October 14
World Standards Day (WSD), also known as International Standards Day, is observed annually on 14 October to highlight the importance of standardization and recognise the contributions of experts involved in developing voluntary international standards.

• 2026 Theme: “Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on SDG 7-Affordable and Clean Energy”

Background:
Origin: On 14 October 1946, delegates from 25 countries met in London, United Kingdom (UK) to discuss the creation of an international organization for standardization.
Formation of ISO: This initiative led to the establishment of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1947.
First Observance: The first World Standards Day (WSD) was celebrated on 14 October 1970, initiated by then ISO President Faruk Sunter.
Organizers: WSD is jointly observed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

STATE NEWS

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Approves ‘Bhagini Nivedita Scheme’ Offering Rs. 50,000 Assistance
On October 5, 2026, the West Bengal (WB) Cabinet, led by Chief Minister (CM) Suvendu Adhikari, approved the ‘Bhagini Nivedita Scheme’ to provide financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to unmarried women pursuing higher education.

• The scheme is scheduled to be implemented across the state from January 2027.

About Bhagini Nivedita Scheme:
Financial Assistance: Eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs. 17,000 in the first year, Rs. 17,000 in the second year and Rs. 16,000 in the third year, totalling Rs. 50,000.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions:

• Karmabandhus’ Remuneration: The monthly remuneration of Karmabandhus, part-time support staff under the land and land revenue department, was increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000, effective October 2026.
• Allowance:  The monthly food allowance for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students residing in government hostels was increased from Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 3,300.

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